Ghana Mining Policy: Ghana’s Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah Kofi-Buah says reforms are speeding up licensing and permitting, strengthening environmental protection, and updating the Minerals and Mining Act and National Mining Policy for Parliament. Ghana Investment Push: Gold Fields pledges more than $1bn to extend the Tarkwa mine’s life, while the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre insists the country remains open to foreign mining even as lease-renewal debate heats up. Zambia Local Content: Zambia’s new 2025 local content rules (effective 1 Jan 2026) aim to lift Zambian procurement in mining from 20% to 40%, with pricing preferences for local bidders. South Africa Coal Cleanup Gap: A report says none of 412 closed coal mines (2006-2023) set aside enough rehabilitation funds, leaving taxpayers and communities exposed as the country moves away from coal. Australia Gold Disrupted: Bushfires and rain cut Australia’s Q1 gold output to 75 tonnes, with major sites hit by damage to water, power, and communications. Market Pressure on Miners: Rio Tinto and BHP shares fell as iron ore weakness and cautious sentiment weigh on mining stocks. Chile ESG Milestone: Codelco’s El Teniente secures dual Copper Mark and Molybdenum Mark certifications through 2029, signaling tighter third-party ESG scrutiny. Mining Finance/Deals: Omnia rewards shareholders with a special dividend after strong earnings, while Great Western Mining gets OTCQB trading approval in the US.